Certain markets record double digit growth for SDV

LOGISTICS major SDV has recorded significant growth in its airfreight exports to Africa and sales manager Antoine Multon expects more of the same as the company grows its brand awareness in South Africa. Established in Africa for over 5 0 years, SDV brings the significant benefits of own office representation – an aspect of its service which the South African operation is aggressively marketing, says Multon. “We were the first logistics network on the continent with 216 offices spread over 41 countries and 5 00 offices worldwide.” The company employs 18 650 people on the continent. “We’ve seen growing demand particularly for airfreight exports to Africa and this spans a range of industries,” says Multon. “We are becoming more and more involved in perishables and telecommunications equipment which are double digit growth markets in Africa and we anticipate continued growth in the mining industry with pharmaceuticals also performing well.” He believes there are several reasons for SDV’s market penetration. “Our network, local awareness and customer-focused team, as well as the fact that decisions are taken at destination countries in this consignee-driven market have all helped to grow our business.” The company’s on-airport warehouse and consolidation service also provide greater flexibility in cut-off times, says Multon. “We can offer daily consolidations on most flights and being close to Customs, by managing lead times prior to loading, we can cut days off the transit time – and that’s what matters to our customers.” SDV moves big volumes to West Africa via Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris which is a major hub for West Africa. In East Africa most cargo is hubbed via Kenya or Dubai while OR Tambo International Airport has a major role to play for Southern Africa distribution, says Multon. The company has also seen a significant increase in demand for air charters with a dedicated staff member managing this segment of its airfreight business. The challenges, says Multon, are capacity and skills which is why SDV is focusing strongly on staff training. SDV generates €1.6 billion (R17.9bn) in turnover for Africa and reinvests on average €175 million (R1.9bn) in the continent on an annual basis.